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Questions and Answers
Which tribes invaded Britain in the 5th century AD?
Which tribes invaded Britain in the 5th century AD?
What language did the inhabitants of Britain primarily speak before the arrival of the Germanic tribes?
What language did the inhabitants of Britain primarily speak before the arrival of the Germanic tribes?
Around what time was Old English predominantly spoken?
Around what time was Old English predominantly spoken?
Which event marked the beginning of the Middle English period?
Which event marked the beginning of the Middle English period?
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What major linguistic change occurred during the Early Modern English period?
What major linguistic change occurred during the Early Modern English period?
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During which period did English regain dominance in Britain after the Norman Conquest?
During which period did English regain dominance in Britain after the Norman Conquest?
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What was one effect of the invention of printing on the English language?
What was one effect of the invention of printing on the English language?
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Which poet is associated with the Middle English period?
Which poet is associated with the Middle English period?
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What significant event occurred in 1066?
What significant event occurred in 1066?
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Which year marks the beginning of the Great Vowel Shift?
Which year marks the beginning of the Great Vowel Shift?
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What did Samuel Johnson publish in 1755?
What did Samuel Johnson publish in 1755?
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Which event is related to 1607 in the context of English history?
Which event is related to 1607 in the context of English history?
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When did English replace French as the language of law?
When did English replace French as the language of law?
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What significant work did Chaucer begin writing around 1388?
What significant work did Chaucer begin writing around 1388?
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What was established in 1702 related to English media?
What was established in 1702 related to English media?
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Which due date marks the release of the first English dictionary?
Which due date marks the release of the first English dictionary?
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What became the standard dialect due to the location of most publishing houses?
What became the standard dialect due to the location of most publishing houses?
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What was one major factor that contributed to the increase in vocabulary during Late Modern English?
What was one major factor that contributed to the increase in vocabulary during Late Modern English?
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Which period encompasses Late Modern English?
Which period encompasses Late Modern English?
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Which of the following is considered an Americanism that has British origins?
Which of the following is considered an Americanism that has British origins?
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In what way did Spanish influence American English?
In what way did Spanish influence American English?
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What language family does English belong to?
What language family does English belong to?
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Which of the following varieties of English is NOT mentioned?
Which of the following varieties of English is NOT mentioned?
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What event initiated the timeline of English language history in 55 BC?
What event initiated the timeline of English language history in 55 BC?
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Study Notes
Origins of English Language
- English language began with the arrival of three Germanic tribes: Angles, Saxons, and Jutes in the 5th century AD.
- These tribes invaded Britain from present-day Denmark and northern Germany, displacing Celtic speakers to regions like Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.
- The term "Englisc" from the Angles contributed to the words "England" and "English."
Old English (450-1100 AD)
- Developed from the languages of the Germanic tribes, distinctly different from Modern English.
- Many common Modern English words have Old English roots, including "be," "strong," and "water."
- Difficult for contemporary speakers to understand.
Middle English (1100-1500 AD)
- Entered after the Norman Conquest of 1066 by William the Conqueror, who brought French as the language of the elite.
- Resulted in a linguistic divide: English for the lower classes and French for the upper classes.
- By the 14th century, English regained dominance (known as Middle English), enriched with many French vocabulary.
- Chaucer's works exemplify Middle English, retaining aspects that are challenging for modern understanding.
Early Modern English (1500-1800)
- Marked by the Great Vowel Shift, leading to significant changes in pronunciation.
- Increased contact with global cultures and the Renaissance introduced new vocabulary.
- The invention of the printing press led to standardized spelling, grammar, and widespread literacy.
- The first English dictionary was published in 1604, marking a milestone in language documentation.
Late Modern English (1800-Present)
- Distinctions from Early Modern English primarily arise from vocabulary expansion linked to the Industrial Revolution and the British Empire’s global reach.
- English adopted foreign words from various regions due to colonial interactions.
Varieties of English
- The colonization of North America produced American English, with unique pronunciation and vocabulary preserved from earlier British English.
- American English retains original British expressions and has been influenced by Spanish, French, and West African languages.
- Other varieties of English have emerged globally, including Australian, New Zealand, Canadian, South African, Indian, and Caribbean English.
Germanic Family of Languages
- English belongs to the Germanic branch of the Indo-European language family, reflecting its historical roots.
Chronology of Important Events in English Development
- 55 BC: Roman invasion by Julius Caesar.
- AD 43: Beginning of Roman rule in Britain.
- 449: Germanic settlement in Britain begins.
- 1066: Norman Conquest introduces French influence.
- 1348: English becomes the language of instruction and supersedes Latin and French for legal matters.
- 1476: Establishment of the first English printing press by William Caxton.
- 1604: The first English dictionary is published.
- 1828: Publication of Noah Webster's American English dictionary.
- 1928: The Oxford English Dictionary is published, providing extensive documentation of the English language's evolution.
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Description
Explore the origins and development of the English language, beginning with the invasion of three Germanic tribes in the 5th century AD. Learn how these tribes influenced the language spoken in Britain and the transition from Celtic to English. This quiz covers key events and transformations that shaped the English language over the centuries.
